Duncan James says coming out was the ‘best thing he ever did’
Blue singer Duncan James has said coming out was the “best thing he ever did”.
The singer appeared on Loose Women today and said that he spent years “living a lie” before coming out as gay.
James, who is currently starring in Hollyoaks, discussed the evolution of his character Ryan Knight who was recently revealed as bisexual.
The show also played a video message with co-star Adam Rickett who James’ character recently kissed on the show.
James said: “My character started off as straight then on the night of his wedding his lovely wife was killed. And he was off sleeping with Adam Rickitt’s character Kyle.
“I was a bit shocked as I didn’t know they were turning my character into a bisexual. It was weird as I’ve known Adam for years, we were together on the big reunion. I was more nervous about kissing him than he was.”
Of his own coming out as gay, James said he was worried but that he was relieved by the reaction he got when he finally came out.
He said: “To be honest it was something I didn’t feel comfortable sharing with the world but I thought doing a story was the right thing to do. After years of hiding the secret inside me I wanted to be who I am and I wanted acceptance.
“I carried this burden on my shoulders for years, I was worried about what the fans would think, family and friends, and I was living a lie really.
“I did a story in the paper and it was the best thing that ever happened. I thought people would shout at me.
“I just had positivity, love and support. It’s important for people to accept who they are and feel proud and comfortable coming out.
“We’re living in 2017 now and it shouldn’t be a problem.”
He ended by thanking showrunners at Hollyoaks, saying: “Hollyoaks are very pro LGBT and do lots of storylines like this. It’s a great show to be a part of as they do tackle these things.”
After coming out as gay in 2012, James said he feared people would harass him in the streets because of his sexual orientation.
“[I came out] when I was about 26-years-old after having a secret four year relationship with a guy.”
“I thought I would be gay bashed in the street with people shouting ‘queer’.
“I had all of these fears in my head that all of these horrible things were going to happen.”
The Big Reunion star came out as bisexual in an interview back in 2009.
He has since identified himself as gay in various interviews.
